By Anna Shilongo
WINDHOEK
Just a week after the escape of five prisoners from the Windhoek Central Prison, 16 suspects broke open jail bars at Outapi in Omusati Region.
The 16 trial-awaiting prisoners escaped from Outapi Police Station on Saturday between 20h00 and 20h30.
They used unknown objects to cut the iron grids on the roof to escape.
Their cases include stocktheft, robbery, housebreaking, theft, fraud, rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
According to police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Kauna Shikwambi, two of the escapees were re-arrested on the same day.
Shikwambi identified the two as Makalele David, 20, and Simon Haufiku, 26.
Escapees still at large are Angula Titus, 21, Benjamin Eliasel, 31, Frans Kamuhamba, 27, Ondjomuwa Alweendo, 23, Petrus Pedro, 23, Jason Pavo, 21, Lukas Ndakondjele, 18, Thobias Shatipamba, 31, Mwala Ruben, 18, Paulus Shimbamba, 29, Sikunda Sapalo, 28, Benius Mathias, 47, Alule Malakia, 21, and Venasius Shehama, 20. Shimbamba and Sapalo are Angolan nationals.
Shikwambi urged the escapees still at large to surrender to the police immediately.
“No matter how long it takes, the law will catch up with you, you can never run away from the police and we will ensure that once we arrest you, you will have to answer for your actions,” said Shikwambi.
She also appealed to the public to assist the police in re-arresting the escapees. Any one with information that could lead to their re-arrest is requested to contact the nearest police station.
“We are counting on you. Our success is in your hands and we can only curb crime in the communities if we work together,” the officer stressed.
She said police are investigating how the 16 escaped.
Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man allegedly raped a four-year-old girl at Ohainengena village, in the Ohangwena Region.
The incident took place on Sunday. The suspect was arrested and appeared in the Eenhana Magistrate’s Court on rape charges yesterday.
In another incident, a 13-month-old baby was crushed to death by a vehicle, which was reversing in the yard .The incident happened at Omashaka settlement in Oshakati at around 20h00 last Friday. No arrest has been made in connection with the infant’s death.